Average Wage in Spain: What Expats Need to Earn to Live Comfortably
Understanding salaries in Spain helps you judge job offers, plan your budget and decide how much you can safely spend on rent, insurance and everyday life. The headline figures can look modest compared with some other European countries, but the story is more nuanced once you factor in region, sector and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
Your salary and living costs in Spain depend heavily on where you live and what sector you work in.
- Average annual salary in 2023 was about €28,050 per worker (~4% higher than previous year)
- Other analyses put average gross salaries around €26,000–€33,000 per year
- Wages vary strongly by region and sector – big cities and specialised industries pay more
- Think in net monthly income after tax, not just the gross figure
- Your salary needs to cover private health insurance, home and car insurance
The Headline Numbers: Average Wages Today
Official Statistics
Spain's Annual Salary Structure Survey reports an average salary of €28,049.94 per year in 2023, with men earning more on average than women and large differences between sectors.
Annual Average (2023)
€28,050
~4% higher than previous year
Monthly Gross Range
€2,200–€2,300
Fluctuates by quarter
Other data series that track monthly wages show recent averages in the low €2,200–€2,300 per month gross range, though this fluctuates by quarter. These figures are useful as a benchmark, but they don't reflect the wide spread between high-paid technical roles and lower-paid service jobs.
Regional and Sector Differences
Big Cities vs Smaller Towns
Salaries in Madrid and Barcelona tend to sit above the national average, especially in finance, tech and multinational companies. Coastal regions with heavy tourism, and rural provinces, often show lower average earnings.
Important: At the same time, rents and living costs in Madrid and Barcelona are much higher than in many smaller cities, so a bigger salary doesn't always translate into more spare money.
High-Paying vs Lower-Paying Sectors
Surveys consistently show that:
- Energy, finance and technology roles sit at the top of the wage scale
- Accommodation and food service activities are among the lowest-paid sectors
For expats, international schools, tech companies, remote roles and managerial positions often pay closer to northern European levels, while local hospitality or entry-level retail roles may feel tight.
What is a "Good" Salary for an Expat?
There is no single number, but a practical way to think about it is:
Single Person in Mid-Sized City
Enough net income to cover rent, utilities, food, transport and a buffer for savings, insurance and travel.
Family of Two Adults + Children
Ideally a salary (or combined salaries) that cover housing costs, childcare or schooling, insurance and some savings each month.
Many expats aim for net monthly income that comfortably covers:
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities, including rising electricity bills
- Groceries and transport
- Private health insurance if needed, plus home and car insurance
If, after those essentials, there is still room for savings and a modest social life, the salary is usually workable.
How Salary Links to Your Insurance Choices
Income and Cover Levels
Your income has a direct impact on the type of insurance setup you can afford and the level of risk you're comfortable taking.
For example:
- With a stronger salary, you may choose comprehensive car insurance and higher home contents limits.
- If income is tight, you might go for third-party car cover and a smaller contents sum insured, but you must be clear what you're giving up.
- Higher earners, or families with dependants, often prioritise life insurance and income protection so a sudden illness or death doesn't force a return home.
Planning Your Insurance Budget
Planning your insurance budget as a fixed percentage of your net income can help keep things manageable. Treat insurance as a non-negotiable expense – like rent or utilities – rather than something to cut when money feels tight.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Is the average salary enough to live well as an expat in Spain?
It can be, but it depends heavily on location and lifestyle. A salary around the national average may support a comfortable life in many smaller cities or towns, especially if you share housing costs. In central Madrid or Barcelona, the same income can feel stretched once you account for rent, utilities and transport. When you evaluate an offer, always convert it to net monthly pay, compare it with local rents and include costs like private health insurance and home or car cover in your budget.
How much of my salary should I set aside for insurance in Spain?
There's no fixed rule, but many households are comfortable when core insurance costs – health, home, car and basic travel cover – stay within a reasonable portion of net income. The exact percentage depends on your car value, family size and whether you choose more comprehensive health plans. A common approach is to treat insurance as a non-negotiable monthly bill, similar to rent or utilities, so you don't cut essential cover when other expenses appear.
Are salaries in Spain rising fast enough to keep up with prices?
Recent figures show salaries in Spain rising by a few percent per year, but many residents feel that housing and some everyday costs have risen faster. For expats, the impact depends on your sector: internationally-linked roles may track global pay levels, while local service jobs can feel tighter. When you negotiate a contract, it's sensible to ask about future raises and review clauses, especially if you plan to stay long-term.
Should I accept a lower salary in Spain in exchange for lifestyle?
Some expats do, especially if they move from very high-pressure cities abroad. The key is to run the numbers carefully: factor in tax, rent, school costs if you have children, and realistic insurance costs. If a lower salary still lets you build a small emergency fund and keep solid insurance in place, the lifestyle trade-off may feel worth it. If not, consider negotiating, looking for remote roles with foreign employers or combining several income sources to reach a more comfortable level.
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